“Collectible figurine photography allows for endless creativity.
They are little, perfect people in a great big, flawed world.
Just have fun…
…life is too short.”
– Yours Truly –
Why anime figurine photography and collecting?
Fun!
That is what it is about.
Just having a bit of fun and enjoying the spoils of your hard work and spending money on something that is going to make you happy in the “now” and hopefully in the “future”.
I am a designer with a background in photography and 3D. Many thousands of hours have been spent in my career as a product and fashion retoucher/editor. Taking some laid back, fun photos of my precious items…is a delight! Collectible figurine photography would be awesome as a full time job!
Banpresto. PLUM. Kotobukiya. Goodsmile. These companies own a lot of our happy souls. Even the occasional FUNKO.
Figurine collecting means many things to different people but a few elements always ring true.
They are either memory keepsakes of shows we watched and loved for various reasons or fond reminders of certain times of our lives – attached to the popculture of that era. (e.g. I still have my Lion-O action figure from when I was a kid…)
Or they just look great! HAVE to have them!
Cute. Kawaii. Moe. Sugoi.
It does not matter if we don’t know what game they are from, what anime they are from or if they featured in a graphic novel. It’s a case of “Oooh, niiiice. This would look great on my shelf!” followed by bank balance going “HA! You funny…”
The grind. It be real!
HOW TO START COLLECTING ANIME FIGURINES?
It is very easy. Find something you like and that fits your budget and DO THE THING, ZHU LI!!!
If it resonates, get it.
If you feel an affinity to the figure, get it.
If you appreciate the workmanship and the journey the figurine took from concept art all the way through to final form – show your love and appreciation – get it.
If you appreciate the workmanship and the journey the figurine took from concept art all the way through to final form – show your love and appreciation – get it.
WHERE TO BUY ANIME FIGURINES?
Here is a short list of good and trusted vendors with who you may start your journey:
AMIAMI (https://www.amiami.com/eng/)
MANDARAKE (https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/?lang=en)
GOODSMILE (https://www.goodsmile.info/en/)
PLUM Pretty Lovely Unique Mechanism (https://plumwebshop.com/)
BANPRESTO Very affordable quality (https://www.banpresto.jp)